Dog harness

ABSTRACT

A dog harness includes a harness body that has a first end for placement proximate the shoulders of the dog and an opposing second end for placement proximate the hindquarters of the dog. The first end has a pair of first flaps and the second end having a pair of second flaps. The harness includes a first looped strap securely attached to one of the second flaps, with the first strap including a first part of a side release buckle. A second strap is securely attached to the other of the second flaps, with the second strap including a second part of the side release buckle that interlockingly engages the first part. The harness includes a front strap in the form of a loop that is securely attached at a first end to one of the first flaps and has a loop portion that is coupled to a first coupling member that is securely attached to the other of the first flaps. A free second end of the front strap is coupled to a second coupling member through which a portion of the front strap proximate the first end passes. A length of the front strap defined between the first and second coupling members is adjustable, thereby permitting both a tightening and loosening of the first end of the harness body.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a pet restraint device and inparticular, the present invention relates to a leash-controllable dogharness.

BACKGROUND

Most dogs require a certain amount of time outdoors and enjoy the timeoutdoors in the environment and in the elements. This requires the ownerof the dog to spend a certain length of time in walking the dog daily.Before walking the dog, a collar must be mounted on the dog's neck sothat a leash can be fastened to the dog for controlling the walking ofthe dog. The leash is used to lead the dog or to hold it in check.Various collars have been disclosed for this purpose. For example,collars can be equipped with a quick-release hook and a lengthadjustment frame, while other collars can be equipped with a bucklecomprised of a frame and a prong or the collar can be from an elasticband. However, simply using a leash and a collar cannot positivelycontrol the movement of the dog in all directions. Further, when pullingthe leash, the collar is forced to squeeze the dog's throat and this canresult in pain being experienced by the dog.

There are a number of dog harnesses that are commercially available.However, there are sizing and fit issues with these products since theseproducts are often only made available in small, medium and large sizes.However, the dog's body may not be easily categorized as falling withinone of these sizes. As a result, the harness does not properly fit.Conventional harnesses have only limited amount of adjustment.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present embodiment, a dog harness includes aharness body that has a first end and an opposing second end. The firstend has a pair of first flaps. The harness includes a first looped strapsecurely attached to one of the first flaps and a second looped strapsecurely attached to the other of the first flaps. A rear strap iscoupled to the second end of the harness body in such a manner that therear strap is slidable in a lateral direction. The rear strap having afirst end and an opposing second end. The harness includes a firstcoupling member having an opening formed therein, wherein the firstlooped strap and the first end of the rear strap are attached to firstcoupling member by being passed through the opening. The harness of asecond coupling member having an opening formed therein, wherein thesecond looped strap and the second end of the rear strap are attached tothe second coupling member by being passed through the opening. Theharness includes a third looped strap securely attached to the firstcoupling member by being passed through the opening thereof. The thirdstrap includes a first part of a side release buckle. A fourth loopedstrap is securely attached to the second coupling member by being passedthrough the opening thereof. The fourth strap includes a second part ofthe side release buckle that interlockingly engages the first part.

In another embodiment, a dog harness includes a harness body that has afirst end for placement proximate the shoulders of the dog and anopposing second end for placement proximate the hindquarters of the dog.The first end has a pair of first flaps and the second end having a pairof second flaps. The harness includes a first looped strap securelyattached to one of the second flaps, with the first strap including afirst part of a side release buckle. A second strap is securely attachedto the other of the second flaps, with the second strap including asecond part of the side release buckle that interlockingly engages thefirst part. The harness includes a front strap in the form of a loopthat is securely attached at a first end to one of the first flaps andhas a loop portion that is coupled to a first coupling member that issecurely attached to the other of the first flaps. A free second end ofthe front strap is coupled to a second coupling member through which aportion of the front strap proximate the first end passes, wherein alength of the front strap defined between the first and second couplingmembers is adjustable, thereby permitting both a tightening andloosening of the first end of the harness body. The harness includes alooped strap that includes a first opening through which the loopedfront strap extends and a second opening in which a ring is captured forattachment to a leash.

These and other aspects, features and advantages shall be apparent fromthe accompanying Drawings and description of certain embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dog harness according to oneembodiment fitted to a dog;

FIG. 2 is bottom perspective view of the dog harness of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the dog harness of FIG. 3;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dog harness according to oneembodiment fitted to a dog;

FIG. 5 is bottom perspective view of the dog harness of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the dog harness of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a dog harness 100 in accordance with a firstembodiment of the present invention. The dog harness 100 is of the typethat is known as a leash-controllable harness in accordance with thepresent invention. The harness 100 has a main harness body 110 that hasa first end 112 for placement near the neck of the dog and an oppositesecond end 114 for placement near the rear legs of the dog. The mainharness body 110 has a first face or surface 120 that seats against thedog underbelly when worn and an opposite second face or surface 130 thatfaces away from the dog and faces the ground during use. Since the firstface 120 contacts the dog during use, it is formed out of a materialthat provides comfort. In particular, the first face 120 can be paddedor is made from soft material. For example, the harness body 110 can beformed of a synthetic fabric, such as polyester. Along the perimeteredges of the body 110 a folded fabric seam 132 can be formed and has adifferent texture and feel than the center portion of the body 110. Theentire harness body 110 is formed of a fabric material and therefore itis freely foldable and positionable about the dog.

As shown in the figures, the main body 110 generally has an hour glassor I shape that is defines by a first portion 140 that includes thefirst end 112 and a second portion 150 that includes the second end 114and a third portion 151 that is located between the first and secondportions 140, 150 and represents the middle portion. The first andsecond portions 140, 150 thus taper down into the third portion 151.

The first portion 140 is defined by a pair of opposing first flaps orwings 142, 143 and similarly, the second portion 150 includes a pair ofopposing second flaps or wings 152, 153. It will be appreciated that thelength of the first flaps 142 are greater than a length of the secondflaps 152 since the first flaps 142 wrap around the shoulder portion ofthe dog which is typically larger in size than the loin or hindquartersof the dog where the second flaps 152 wrap. The third portion 150 isthus seated against the underside belly or chest of the dog.

A first small loop (strap) 160 is attached to the second flap 152 of thesecond portion 150 and is configured such that both ends of the strapare attached to the second face 130 of the second flap 152 so as tocreate a loop. The loop captures a female socket 170 that is part of aplastic side release buckle. The female socket 170 is movable within theopen portion of the loop.

On the opposite second flap 153, a strap 180 is provided and includesloop 182 at its end. The loop 182 captures and retains a male plug 190,with the male plug 190 being movable within the open portion of theloop. The male plug 190 is provided with a center tine 192 and a pair offlexible tines 194 on either side of the center tine 192. Female socket170 is which received the male plug 190 is provided with side notches172, 174 which expose catch projections on the tines 194 when the maleplug is inserted into the female socket 170. To release the buckle, onehas only to squeeze in flexible tines 194 so that the male plug 190 canthen be withdrawn from the female socket 170. A slide 195 is providedalong the strap 180 and loop 182. To effect a torso size fit, the lengthof the folded over loop portion 182 between the male plug 190 and theslider 195 is adjusted by shifting the position of the slider 195 withinthe loop 182.

Similarly, the first portion 140 also includes a structure that permitsadjustment at the shoulder portion of the dog. In particular, a strap200 has a first end 202 that is fixedly attached to the end of the firstflap 143 and an opposite second end 204 that is a free end. The strap200 is folded over itself to create a loop 220. A slider 230 is providedalong the strap 200 proximate the end 202 that is attached to the firstflap 143, with the strap 200 being routed through the slider 230.

A first small loop (strap) 210 is attached to the first flap 142 of thefirst portion 140 and is configured such that both ends of the strap areattached to the second face 130 of the first flap 142 so as to create aloop. The loop captures a slider 240. The strap 200 is fed through theslider 240 to create the loop 220 by allowing the strap 200 to be foldedover itself. The free end 204 of the strap 200 is then fed acrossthrough a slot in the slider 230.

A leash strap 300 is provided and includes at least two different loopsections. The strap 200 is fed through one of the loops which is formedat the end of the folded leash strap 300. Within the other loop section,a metal coupling ring 400 is provided for attaching a leash to the dogharness 100.

To effect a chest size adjustment, the length of the loop 220 isadjusted by pulling on the free end 204 of the strap which causes thefirst flaps 142, 143 to be drawn in toward one another, therebytightening the harness in the shoulder area. Conversely, the oppositemotion causes the first flaps 142, 143 to be drawn apart, therebyloosening the harness in the shoulder area.

In use, the dog harness 100 is positioned underneath the dog with thefirst face 120 facing the dog's underside. To effect a torso size fit,the length of the folded over loop portion 182 between the male plug 190and the slider 195 is adjusted by shifting the position of the slider195 within the loop 182. The two second flaps 152, 153 are thus placedinto contact with the hindquarters of the dog and the strap 180 isdraped over the back of the dog and the male plug 190 is inserted intothe female socket 170 to thereby secure the second portion 150 to thedog.

To securely attach the first portion 140 to the dog's shoulder area, thelength of the loop 220 is adjusted by pulling on the free end 204 of thestrap which causes the first flaps 142, 143 to be drawn tightly into thedog's body. A coupling member at the end of the leash is attached to thering 400.

Now referring to FIGS. 4-6, a dog harness 500 according to anotherembodiment is shown. The dog harness 500 is of the type that is known asa leash-controllable harness in accordance with the present invention.The harness 500 has a main harness body 510 that has a first end 512 forplacement near the neck of the dog on a forward side of the front pawsand an opposite second end 514 for placement to the rear of the frontpaws of the dog against the dog's belly. The main harness body 510 has afirst face or surface 520 that seats against the dog underbelly whenworn and an opposite second face or surface 530 that faces away from thedog and faces the ground during use. Since the first face 520 contactsthe dog during use, it is formed out of a material that providescomfort. In particular, the first face 520 can be padded or is made fromsoft material. For example, the harness body 510 can be formed of asynthetic fabric, such as polyester. Along the perimeter edges of thebody 510 a folded fabric seam 531 can be formed and has a differenttexture and feel than the center portion of the body 510. The entireharness body 510 is formed of a fabric material and therefore it isfreely foldable and positionable about the dog.

As shown in the figures, the main body 510 generally has an hour glassor I shape that is defines by a first portion 540 that includes thefirst end 512 and a second portion 550 that includes the second end 514and a third portion 560 that is located between the first and secondportions 540, 550 and represents the middle portion. The first andsecond portions 540, 550 thus taper down into the third portion 560.

The first portion 540 is defined by a pair of opposing first flaps orwings 542, 543 and similarly, the second portion 550 includes a pair ofopposing second flaps or wings 552, 553. It will be appreciated that thelength of the first flaps 542 are greater than a length of the secondflaps 552 since the first flaps 542 wrap around the shoulder portion ofthe dog which is typically larger in size than the loin or hindquartersof the dog where the second flaps 552 wrap. The third portion 550 isthus seated against the underside belly or chest of the dog.

At the first flap 542 of the first portion 540, a strap 600 is attached.In particular, the strap 600 has a first end 602 that is attached to thefirst flap 542 as by being stitched thereto. The second end of the strap600 is looped over and inserted into a slot or opening of a plasticslider 610 so as to create a loop 620. Similarly, at the first flap 543of the first portion 540, a strap 630 is attached. In particular, thestrap 630 has a first end 632 that is attached to the first flap 543 asby being stitched thereto. The second end of the strap 630 is loopedover and inserted into a slot or opening of a plastic slider 640 so asto create a loop 650. The lengths of the straps 600, 630 areapproximately the same or are the same.

A strap 700 is coupled to both the second flaps 552, 553 and extendsacross the second face of the flaps 552, 553. For example, a series ofsmall coupling straps 710 can be attached (stitched) to the second faceof the second portion 550. Each coupling strap 710 is attached at itsends to the second face, thereby creating an opening underneath thestrap through which the strap 700 can be fed. The strap 700 includes afirst end that is looped about a plastic slider 720 to form a loop 730and a second end that is looped about a plastic slider 740 to form aloop 750. The strap 700 is freely adjustable underneath the straps 710so that it can be moved laterally across the body of the harness.

In accordance with this embodiment, first and second strap couplingmembers 800, 810 are provided, one on each side of the harness. Thecoupling members 800, 810 are in the form of plastic triangular partsthat have a central opening 812 (triangular shaped) through which strapsare disposed. In particular, the loop 730 at the first end of the strap700 is disposed within the opening 812 of the coupling member 800 alongone inner wall of the triangle and the loop 620 of the strap 600 isdisposed within the same opening 812 along another inner wall.Similarly, the loop 750 at the second end of the strap 700 is disposedwithin the opening 812 of the coupling member 810 along one inner wallof the triangle and the loop 650 of the strap 630 is disposed within thesame opening 812 along another inner wall.

A small strap 900 that forms a closed loop is disposed within theopening 812 of the coupling member 800 along the last unoccupied innerwall of the triangular shaped member 800. The small strap 900 captures afemale socket 910 that is part of a plastic side release buckle. Thefemale socket 910 is movable within the open portion of the loop. On thecoupling member 810, a small strap 920 is provided and it forms a closedloop. The small strap 920 captures and retains a male plug 930, with themale plug 930 being movable within the open portion of the loop. Thestrap 920 is disposed within the opening 812 of the coupling member 810along the unoccupied inner wall of the triangular shaped member 810. Themale plug 930 is provided with a center tine 932 and a pair of flexibletines 934 on either side of the center tine 932. Female socket 910 iswhich received the male plug 930 is provided with side notches 912, 914which expose catch projections on the tines 934 when the male plug isinserted into the female socket 910. To release the buckle, one has onlyto squeeze in flexible tines 934 so that the male plug 930 can then bewithdrawn from the female socket 910.

By having straps 600, 700 be attached to a single coupling member 800,an opening is formed between the peripheral border of the harness alongthis side and the straps 600, 700 and it is through this opening thatthe front paw extends. Similarly, by having straps 630, 700 be attachedto a single coupling member 810, an opening is formed between theperipheral border of the harness along the side and the straps 630, 700and it is through this opening the other front paw extends. To securethe harness to the dog, the male plug 930 is brought into lockingengagement with the female socket 910 at a location above the back ofthe dog. This locking engagement results in the padded, comfortable bodybeing in contact with the belly and sides of the dog.

Each of the small straps 900, 920 also includes a metal ring 950 that isused to attach a leash to the harness.

While the invention has been described in connection with certainembodiments thereof, the invention is capable of being practiced inother forms and using other materials and structures. Accordingly, theinvention is defined by the recitations in the claims appended heretoand equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dog harness comprising: a harness body that hasa first end and an opposing second end, the first end having a pair offirst flaps, a first looped strap securely attached to one of the firstflaps; a second looped strap securely attached to the other of the firstflaps; a rear strap that is coupled to the second end of the harnessbody in such a manner that the rear strap is slidable in a lateraldirection, the rear strap having a first end and an opposing second end;a first coupling member having an opening formed therein, wherein thefirst looped strap and the first end of the rear strap are attached tofirst coupling member by being passed through the opening; a secondcoupling member having an opening formed therein, wherein the secondlooped strap and the second end of the rear strap are attached to thesecond coupling member by being passed through the opening; a thirdlooped strap securely attached to the first coupling member by beingpassed through the opening thereof, the third strap including a firstpart of a side release buckle; a fourth looped strap securely attachedto the second coupling member by being passed through the openingthereof, the fourth strap including a second part of the side releasebuckle that interlockingly engages the first part; and a first ringcaptured by the third looped strap and a second ring captured by thefourth looped strap, each of the third and fourth straps for attachmentto a leash; wherein the third looped strap has two discrete openingsseparate from one another, the first coupling member and the first partbeing received within one opening, while the first ring is received inthe other opening, the fourth looped strap having two discrete openingsseparate from one another, the second coupling member and the secondpart being received within one opening, while the second ring isreceived in the other opening.
 2. The dog harness of claim 1, whereinthe second end includes a pair of second flaps and the rear strap passesthrough an opening formed underneath a plurality of spaced straps thatare attached along the second end including the second flaps, the rearstrap being permitted to be adjusted underneath the spaced straps andmoved laterally.
 3. The dog harness of claim 1, wherein the harness bodyis formed of a synthetic fabric and has an I- shape.
 4. The dog harnessof claim 1, wherein each of the first and second coupling members is inthe form of a plastic triangular shaped part.
 5. The dog harness ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first and second ends of the rear strapincludes a loop that passes through the openings formed in the first andsecond coupling members, respectively.
 6. The dog harness of claim 1,wherein the first part of the side release buckle comprises a femalesocket and the second part of the side release buckle comprises acomplementary male plug.
 7. A dog harness comprising: a harness bodythat has a first end and an opposing second end, the first end having apair of first flaps for placement in front of the front legs of the dogand the second end having a pair of second flaps for placement along atorso of the dog between the front legs and rear legs, wherein a widthof the harness body is at a minimum in a middle section between thefirst flaps and the second flaps; a front strap assembly coupled to andextending between the first flaps located at the first end, wherein thefront strap assembly comprises a first strap section that is fixedlyattached at both ends thereof to one first flap so as to form a loopedstructure that passes through a first slot that is defined in a firstconnector, the first connector including a second slot separated fromthe first slot, wherein the front strap assembly includes a second strapsection having a first end fixedly attached to the other first flap andan opposite free end, the second strap section passing through thesecond slot of the first connector so as to define a looped structurethat also passes through a slider that allows a length of the secondstrap section to be adjusted to allow the front strap assembly to besecurely fitted to the dog's torso, while the first flaps are joinedtogether by the second strap section, the opposite free end beingdisposed over the other first flap; a leash strap having a first sectionthat receives the front strap and a second separate section thatreceives a ring for attaching to a leash, wherein the leash strap canmove laterally along at least a length of the front strap to accommodatedog movement relative to the leash; and a rear strap having a first partattached to one second flap and a second part attached to the othersecond flap, the first part including a first connector that intimatelymates with a second connector that is associated with the second part toallow attachment between the first and second parts about the torso ofthe dog, wherein a length of the first part is adjustable.
 8. The dogharness of claim 7, wherein the first section of the leash strapcomprises a looped section that has a center opening that receives thelooped structure of the second strap section.
 9. The dog harness ofclaim 7, wherein the first slot faces the one first flap and the secondslot faces the other first flap.
 10. The dog harness of claim 7, whereinthe second strap section extends from the one first flap to the otherfirst flap.